Lakers' LeBron James makes basketball history never done in NBA

Caleb Hightower

Lakers' LeBron James makes basketball history never done in NBA image

LeBron James has embraced a new role with the Los Angeles Lakers this season. 

The four-time NBA champion likely didn’t expect to be the organization’s No. 3 scoring option in early December. However, James has performed well while taking a backseat to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, making all the right reads, time and time again. 

On Sunday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, though, James was the Lakers’ go-to scorer down the stretch. The 21-time All-Star put Los Angeles on his back and helped the franchise secure a pivotal 112-108 road victory over the Tyrese Maxey-led Eastern Conference squad.

James finished the contest with 29 points on 70.5% field goal shooting and 66.6% three-point shooting, which was good enough to help the 40-year-old star etch his name into the record books yet again.

“LeBron passes LeBron for the most points in a game by a player in their 23rd season,” Real Sports stated on X/Twitter. 

James started the 2025-26 season on a historic note, as he became the only player in NBA history to play 23 seasons.

With James likely in store for more 25+ point scoring performances, there’s a good chance he’ll continue to make scoring history in the big leagues. 

The former No. 1 overall pick’s performance vs. The 76ers proves one thing: despite his age and declining athleticism, he can still take over games when necessary. 

Expect James to build on his encouraging outing and guide the Lakers to the 18th win of the year on Wednesday (Los Angeles faces the San Antonio Spurs).

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Staff Writer